Bento Cake Recipe: A Culinary Masterpiece

This recipe is for a simple and delicious bento cake that is perfect for a quick and easy snack or dessert.

It is made with only a few basic ingredients and can be customized to your liking.

Bold, beautiful, and delectably delicious—the Bento Cake is a culinary marvel that has taken the dessert world by storm.

In this article, we’ll dive into the art of crafting these delightful treats that not only tantalize your taste buds but also make for stunning visual presentations.

The bento cake recipe is a traditional Japanese lunch box meal packed with colorful and nutritious items.

This post will show you how to make a delicious dessert cake-like dessert out of your favorite fruit, nougat, and coconut cream components.

It also includes enough information to be helpful if you’re getting into making the bento. This bento cake recipe is a sweet treat for breakfast or dessert.

Why Is It Called Bento?

If you are from outside Japan, you may have wondered why the name “bento” is given to this lunch box meal. “Bento” literally means box, referring to the traditional lunch box.

In ancient Japan, it refers to a portable food container used for worshipping in Buddhist and Shinto shrines or a picnic basket for hunting and fishing among hunters and fishermen.

In the 20th century, Bentos were used for school lunches by Japanese youth who wanted to save space in their homes.

Bento Cake Recipe
Bento Cake Recipe

How To Prepare Bento Cake Recipe?

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Serving Size: 4 people

Equipment:

  • Bento Box,
  • 2 Plates,
  • 2 Paper Cups,
  • 2 Spoons and a Knife

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Making Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 6-cup bento cake pan.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg one at a time, then stir in the milk and vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips (if using).

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing.

To assemble the bento cake:

Place a layer of cake in the bottom of a bento box.

Top with your favorite frosting or filling.

Add another layer of cake and repeat steps 2 and 3 until the bento box is full.

Garnish the top of the cake with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or other decorations.

Nutrition Facts Of Bento Cake Recipe

NutritionAmount
Calories603 Kcal
Fat27g
Carbohydrates86g
Protein9g
Fiber5g

Top 7 Serving Ideas For Bento Cake Recipe

1. Pop the cake into the bento box, then put berries, namul, and kimchi on the side.

2. The nougat mixture can be made and stored in an air-tight container for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Ensure you take it from the fridge before using it, as it gets complicated in a cold bento box.

3. Let your kids make their cake with your favorite fruits and flavors. They will love to see how the colorful items are packed into their lunch boxes!

4. You can add variety to the cake by replacing fruits with other seasonal ingredients. For example, replace bananas with apples and add cinnamon for a yummy fall treat.

5. Make it more filling by adding cheese or finely diced ham slices into your fruit layer.

6. You can also serve the cake cold after it’s packed in a bento box from the fridge.

7. If you’re not in the mood for packing a lunch box, prepare a few pieces of this cake and serve it as a dessert with hot tea or coffee.

What Is The Difference Between Bento Cake And Normal Cake?

The significant difference between bento cake and regular cake is that the bento version of this dish has been cut in half and filled with a green tea mixture made with sugar, honey, coconut, and desiccated coconut.

This filling can be used for making the top layer of your cake. You can add any fruit or even substitute some ham slices for protein.

Why Is Bento Cake So Popular?

People usually fill their Bentos with high fiber, low carbohydrate, and healthy ingredients in the traditional Japanese lunch box.

Most bento boxes are filled with vegetables or seafood, such as tofu. You will find some cooked cereal or sweet drinks when you want something sweet.

Traditional lunch boxes still exist in Japan and are very popular as bento boxes nowadays.

Can You Make Bento The Night Before?

Yes, you can make bento the night before. In fact, it is a great way to save time and energy in the morning. Here are some tips for making bento the night before:

Choose ingredients that will hold up well overnight. Avoid using fruits and vegetables that are likely to become soggy or brown overnight.

Cook and cool all of your ingredients before assembling your bento. This will help to prevent condensation from building up in the bento box.

Assemble your bento in an airtight container. This will help to keep the food fresh and prevent any spills.

If you are packing a sauce or dressing, pack it in a separate container. This will help to prevent the food from becoming soggy.

Store your bento in the refrigerator overnight.

How To Decorate Bento Cakes?

Decorating bento cakes is not hard at all! You only need to prepare a few things. Let’s say you have made a nougat layer in your bento box, which is still warm.

You can use frosting or chocolate to make the top part of your cake shine.

Conclusion

Bento cakes are convenient and healthy snacks for anyone on the go or anyone who wants to add more flavorful dishes to their lunches. Not only are bento cakes delicious, but they are also fun to create.

The simplest way to put this dish together is to use a layer of nougat as the base and then add a layer of sliced bananas.

For decoration, you can also use honey or other fruits like raspberries or strawberries.

FAQ

Can you make bento cake without using an egg?

Yes, it’s not impossible! It depends on how much time you want to spend preparing this recipe.

Can I eat bento cake with liquid?

Yes, you can eat this recipe as it is, but it will be more enjoyable when heated up in a bento box or lunch bag on a cold day.